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Weekly Message | August 26th, 2007
ITS FARTHEST LIMITS WILL BE YOURS
Passage: Joshua 17:14-18
Key Verse(s): 17b, 18
"You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment, but the forest hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canniness have iron chariots and though they are strong, you can drive them out. "
For the past two weeks we have studied two passages from the two books of the Old Testament (i.e., Joshua and Psalm). Today’s passage is also from the book of Joshua. One day a young man asked, “Is the Old Testament primarily for the Jewish people and Christians are for the New Testament?” Another said, “No, the Old Testament is for the Catholic people and the New Testament is for the Christian people.” What would be your response to such simple questions? As Christians do you value the teachings in the Old as much as those in the New Testament?
The Old Testament is the preparation of the coming Savior; the New Testament is about realization of the coming of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament presents rich spiritual truths through the experiences of the people of Israel; the New Testament illustrates the truth through the experiences of the Church. The Old Testament speaks of the Promised Land—temporal and physical land in the Middle East; The New Testament introduces the Promised Kingdom—eternal and spiritual paradise in heaven. The Old Testament speaks of the truth through the practical and real experiences of the people of Israel over the thousands of years; the New Testament speaks about the experiments of earthly kingdom through small band of Christians for no more than 100 years. Therefore, as we would consider issues in life, the teachings in the Old Testament provides us rich case studies, lessons and principles that are still relevant for us today.
Last week’s passage was Psalm 1. It is about the righteous and the wicked. This is about the vision in individual level. The blessed live as the righteous—meditating the word of God. The blessed are like a tree by the streams of water. They live according to God’s grace. Today’s passage is a short conversation between the people of Joseph and Joshua. This is about the overcoming challenges as a community. It is beyond individual level. Today let us consider the meaning of pioneering beyond individual level—as people together. This passage shows how Joshua trusted God’s promise and faithfully obeyed God’s command to pioneer the Promised Land.
First, “Why have you given us only one allotment?”(14, 15) To appreciate the context of this passage, let’s go a little further back to Abraham. George Washington is the Founding Father of this nation. Abraham is the Founding Father of all three religions of the world—Judaism, Christianity and Moslem. God called Abraham and said, “All nations of the earth will be blessed through you”(Gen 12:2,3). Abraham had two sons—Isaac and Ishmael. Isaac carried the main line while Ishmael continued its own branches. Isaac passed the blessings from Abraham to Jacob, his second son.
Jacob (his another name is Israel), so ambitious and hardworking, had twelve sons out of his four wives. Naturally, Jacob’s family was in constant family conflicts. One day his ten brothers sold Joseph off as a slave to Egypt. There in Egypt Joseph, with virtually nothing in his hands, overcame all odds and eventually became the second most powerful man in the land, next to Pharaoh the king of Egypt. Joseph became prosperous and powerful. With his help all Jacob’s family members--total seventy of all—moved from Canaan land and settled in the land of Goshen, a deserted region in which the Egyptians rather not to choose for their homes. There, the people of Israel became shepherds who earned income through raising and processing animals. They were suppliers and distributors of meat for the Egyptians—not so respectful occupation but enough to survive in the land.
Jacob adopted Joseph’s two sons——as his own. So Joseph’s two sons-- Ephraim and Manasseh—were included as the twelve tribes of Israel. After 400 years of time period, Jacob’s twelve sons multiplied into millions of people. By the time these people of Israel left the land of Egypt, wandered in the desert 40 years, and then entered the Promised Land, the strengths of each tribe were measured by the numbers of the fighting men. This is recorded in the very first chapter of the book of Numbers.
Then, what was going on at this time? The Israelites just finished the initial conquest of the Canaan land. It took about five years. Now, the land had to be divided among the twelve tribes. To avoid any political conflicts and the appearance of favoritism they prayed and cast lots. According to lots each of the five tribes (Gad, Reuben, Judah Manasseh and Ephraim) received a portion of land first. Joshua, the commander-in-chief of the Israel’s army, was from the people of Joseph—the tribe of Ephraim (Num 13:8). The people of Joseph probably expected better treatment with their special relationship with Joshua.
Look at verse 14: “The people of Joseph said to Joshua, "Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance? We are a numerous people and the LORD has blessed us abundantly." Their tone was accusatory toward Joshua. They blamed Joshua as if he were responsible for the division of the land. They suggested as if Joshua somehow unfairly treated them. In reality, Joshua had nothing to do with the division of the land. God determined the boundary of each tribe by lot. Their complaint? They deserved more than one allotment and one portion for their inheritance. They insisted a special treatment from Joshua for the large numbers. The total numbers of the sons of Joseph (i.e., Manasseh and Ephraim combined) were about 72,700 (=32,200+40,500)(Num 1:33,35). It was little less than the sons of Judah(=74,600)(Num 1:27). For the distribution of the land, Manasseh and Ephraim were counted as two tribes and received more than their fair share of land (See the attached map). They received the best part of the land. Their portion was spacious and abundant. So it was unreasonable for them to complain about.
Look at verse 15: "If you are so numerous," Joshua answered, "and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites.” Joshua was perceptive and insightful. Joshua did not give in their political pressure. Neither did he argue with them for their selfishness. Joshua recognized what they said. He did not say, “You are numerous and the land is too small for you”. Joshua did neither dispute nor confirm their statement. Rather, he said, “If you are so numerous and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you…” Joshua responded to their complaints based on what they told.
Then he said, “…go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites.” Joshua told them to clear the land given to them. He urged them to go up into the forest and clear land for themselves. He encouraged them to fight against the Perizzites and Rephaites.
Second, “All the Canaanites…in the plain have iron chariots”(16-18). The people of Joseph replied, "The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have iron chariots, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel." The people of Joseph did not say, “Yes, that’s a good idea. We will do that!” Instead, they further protested with the real reasons in their mind: (1) The hill country is not enough for them; (2) all the Canaanites living in the plain have iron chariots.
Here, they expressed the reason for their real fear. In spite of their sheer numbers and their prominence in Israel, they were no longer willing to work hard for clearing the land. Clearing the forest requires cutting off all trees, removing the stumps and the roots and cultivating the land for agricultural production. It requires hard work. They did not want to do that! They rather wanted a plain, well-watered land ready for their use. But the real reason was that they were fearful about the Canaanites. The iron chariots of these Canaanites intimidated them. They felt like foot soldiers fighting with their bare hands against the formidable tanks in modern times. In reality, the people of Joseph had swords and spears. Recently, Joshua and his army had defeated the Canaanites who had iron chariots (Joshua 11:6-9).
Here, the people of Joseph reveal their real problems. They were no longer willing to work hard. They were gripped with fear about the challenges ahead. Therefore, they wanted an easy way out. They tried to make a political deal with Joshua. They wanted a handout.
Third, “Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours”(17, 18). Look at verses 17 and 18: “You are numerous and very powerful”, Joshua said, “but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have iron chariots and though they are strong, you can drive them out". Joshua did not give in to their political pressure. Joshua now affirmed that they were numerous and very powerful. Joshua urged them to clear the forest hill country as well. He planted a vision to them saying, “Its farthest limits will be yours”.
How could Joshua challenge his people in this way? It was not merely his excellent leadership skills. Joshua believed in God’s command and promises. Of course, the Canaanites had iron chariots and they are strong. Joshua said, “You can drive them out.” Joshua trusted God who promised him to give all the land (Josh 1:4). Joshua accepted God’s command, “Be strong and very courageous”(Josh 1:7-8).
What can we learn from this? On a practical level, it says about how we should live in our times. This story is more than the conversation between the people of Joseph and Joshua. Here God speaks us a lesson. The lesson is this. The life that God blesses involves forest (i.e., opportunities) and iron chariots (i.e., obstacles). Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks received; he who seeks finds and to him who knocks, the door will be opened”(Mt 7:7,8). In answer to our prayers God opens the doors for us. He provides us with opportunities with obstacles but no easy handouts. The opportunities require hard work and dedication in our part. Obstacles demand our faith to confront and overcome.
These days China is growing very fast. Great deal of opportunities! Then obstacles, too! The huge cost of rapid development is increasing pollution of the environment (NT Times August 25, 2007). On the Mountain of Rushmore, I saw the faces of four presidents—George Washington (founder), Thomas Jefferson (expander), Abraham Lincoln (preserver) and Ted Roosevelt (developer). Two weeks ago my family traveled through states of Missouri, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona and California, This vast land is what it is because of the pioneering effort—not as individuals and a nation.
This summer has been eventful for many of us. We have had successful Summer Bible Conference. We have faithfully served 18 young people from Korea for two months. Peter and Joan Park worked very hard to coordinate this. Greg Lewis, Sue Paul, and Nick Muehling dedicated themselves to serve them. Many of leaders hosted them in their homes (Two Lewis families, Muehlings, Pauls, Roths, and Gambers). The results? We sent them back with renewed faith and vision for their own lives. Most of them are now committed to serve the Lord with their lives. They are more serious about living as people of a mission for the Lord.
God expects us here in Toledo UBF to be pioneers: (1) each of us grow up as godly, healthy and influential people; (2) each of us participates in pioneering work for the gospel of Jesus. Jesus himself is the author and pioneer of our faith (Heb 2:10). May God help us live as pioneers for ourselves, for our families, and for our God.
When Joshua urges the people of Joseph to be pioneers for their own growth and expansion, he was in his late 80s. Many of the people of Joseph were certainly aged as well. Yet, the message is the same. Pioneering is not for merely for the young. Pioneering is the fact of life—for both young and old. In 1977 I moved to this country. Many years have passed. Sometimes I wanted an easy life. I was afraid and fearful for the challenges ahead of me. But I had to work hard for myself, for my family and for God’s people I love. This message is particularly meaningful as I look ahead. I cannot merely settle for an easy life. By God’s grace, along with all God’s people who live for his name’s sake, I must be a pioneer for myself, for my family and for the people that God loves to bless.
On a personal level, what is our forest? What are the iron chariots that terrify us? The forest is the opportunities ahead of us. The iron chariots make us afraid and retreat. I do not have to say what opportunities and challenges each of us have ahead of us. A good life that God blesses involves pioneering—hard work and dedication in one hand and good fight against the obstacles in the other hand. This is the reality of life that we must live with. In a larger sense, the forest is the people in this world that should be reached out for the name of our Lord. Iron chariots are the all the obstacles of faith—the power of sin, unbelief, stubborn refusal, and pleasure-seeking life.
Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit., and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”(Mt 28:18-20). The basis of our work in this world is this promise and command. Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. His command deserves obedience of his people. Christian Church throughout the ages obeys Jesus. This is for all Christian people. We do our part in fulfilling this Great Commission.
After this busy summer, rest for a while if you need. Restore your rhythm and balance. Get back to your routines and reclaim your spiritual direction. May God help us to pioneers in believing, living for and preaching the good news to all creation as long as we live. Then, God in his grace removes our doubt and fear. Instead of being constrained and limited, God expands the boundary of our influence. Whatever we think is impossible limit would be overcome. As Joshua said, “Its farthest limits will be yours!”
August 26, 2007. Toledo UBF
The Old Testament is the preparation of the coming Savior; the New Testament is about realization of the coming of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament presents rich spiritual truths through the experiences of the people of Israel; the New Testament illustrates the truth through the experiences of the Church. The Old Testament speaks of the Promised Land—temporal and physical land in the Middle East; The New Testament introduces the Promised Kingdom—eternal and spiritual paradise in heaven. The Old Testament speaks of the truth through the practical and real experiences of the people of Israel over the thousands of years; the New Testament speaks about the experiments of earthly kingdom through small band of Christians for no more than 100 years. Therefore, as we would consider issues in life, the teachings in the Old Testament provides us rich case studies, lessons and principles that are still relevant for us today.
Last week’s passage was Psalm 1. It is about the righteous and the wicked. This is about the vision in individual level. The blessed live as the righteous—meditating the word of God. The blessed are like a tree by the streams of water. They live according to God’s grace. Today’s passage is a short conversation between the people of Joseph and Joshua. This is about the overcoming challenges as a community. It is beyond individual level. Today let us consider the meaning of pioneering beyond individual level—as people together. This passage shows how Joshua trusted God’s promise and faithfully obeyed God’s command to pioneer the Promised Land.
First, “Why have you given us only one allotment?”(14, 15) To appreciate the context of this passage, let’s go a little further back to Abraham. George Washington is the Founding Father of this nation. Abraham is the Founding Father of all three religions of the world—Judaism, Christianity and Moslem. God called Abraham and said, “All nations of the earth will be blessed through you”(Gen 12:2,3). Abraham had two sons—Isaac and Ishmael. Isaac carried the main line while Ishmael continued its own branches. Isaac passed the blessings from Abraham to Jacob, his second son.
Jacob (his another name is Israel), so ambitious and hardworking, had twelve sons out of his four wives. Naturally, Jacob’s family was in constant family conflicts. One day his ten brothers sold Joseph off as a slave to Egypt. There in Egypt Joseph, with virtually nothing in his hands, overcame all odds and eventually became the second most powerful man in the land, next to Pharaoh the king of Egypt. Joseph became prosperous and powerful. With his help all Jacob’s family members--total seventy of all—moved from Canaan land and settled in the land of Goshen, a deserted region in which the Egyptians rather not to choose for their homes. There, the people of Israel became shepherds who earned income through raising and processing animals. They were suppliers and distributors of meat for the Egyptians—not so respectful occupation but enough to survive in the land.
Jacob adopted Joseph’s two sons——as his own. So Joseph’s two sons-- Ephraim and Manasseh—were included as the twelve tribes of Israel. After 400 years of time period, Jacob’s twelve sons multiplied into millions of people. By the time these people of Israel left the land of Egypt, wandered in the desert 40 years, and then entered the Promised Land, the strengths of each tribe were measured by the numbers of the fighting men. This is recorded in the very first chapter of the book of Numbers.
Then, what was going on at this time? The Israelites just finished the initial conquest of the Canaan land. It took about five years. Now, the land had to be divided among the twelve tribes. To avoid any political conflicts and the appearance of favoritism they prayed and cast lots. According to lots each of the five tribes (Gad, Reuben, Judah Manasseh and Ephraim) received a portion of land first. Joshua, the commander-in-chief of the Israel’s army, was from the people of Joseph—the tribe of Ephraim (Num 13:8). The people of Joseph probably expected better treatment with their special relationship with Joshua.
Look at verse 14: “The people of Joseph said to Joshua, "Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance? We are a numerous people and the LORD has blessed us abundantly." Their tone was accusatory toward Joshua. They blamed Joshua as if he were responsible for the division of the land. They suggested as if Joshua somehow unfairly treated them. In reality, Joshua had nothing to do with the division of the land. God determined the boundary of each tribe by lot. Their complaint? They deserved more than one allotment and one portion for their inheritance. They insisted a special treatment from Joshua for the large numbers. The total numbers of the sons of Joseph (i.e., Manasseh and Ephraim combined) were about 72,700 (=32,200+40,500)(Num 1:33,35). It was little less than the sons of Judah(=74,600)(Num 1:27). For the distribution of the land, Manasseh and Ephraim were counted as two tribes and received more than their fair share of land (See the attached map). They received the best part of the land. Their portion was spacious and abundant. So it was unreasonable for them to complain about.
Look at verse 15: "If you are so numerous," Joshua answered, "and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites.” Joshua was perceptive and insightful. Joshua did not give in their political pressure. Neither did he argue with them for their selfishness. Joshua recognized what they said. He did not say, “You are numerous and the land is too small for you”. Joshua did neither dispute nor confirm their statement. Rather, he said, “If you are so numerous and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you…” Joshua responded to their complaints based on what they told.
Then he said, “…go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites.” Joshua told them to clear the land given to them. He urged them to go up into the forest and clear land for themselves. He encouraged them to fight against the Perizzites and Rephaites.
Second, “All the Canaanites…in the plain have iron chariots”(16-18). The people of Joseph replied, "The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have iron chariots, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel." The people of Joseph did not say, “Yes, that’s a good idea. We will do that!” Instead, they further protested with the real reasons in their mind: (1) The hill country is not enough for them; (2) all the Canaanites living in the plain have iron chariots.
Here, they expressed the reason for their real fear. In spite of their sheer numbers and their prominence in Israel, they were no longer willing to work hard for clearing the land. Clearing the forest requires cutting off all trees, removing the stumps and the roots and cultivating the land for agricultural production. It requires hard work. They did not want to do that! They rather wanted a plain, well-watered land ready for their use. But the real reason was that they were fearful about the Canaanites. The iron chariots of these Canaanites intimidated them. They felt like foot soldiers fighting with their bare hands against the formidable tanks in modern times. In reality, the people of Joseph had swords and spears. Recently, Joshua and his army had defeated the Canaanites who had iron chariots (Joshua 11:6-9).
Here, the people of Joseph reveal their real problems. They were no longer willing to work hard. They were gripped with fear about the challenges ahead. Therefore, they wanted an easy way out. They tried to make a political deal with Joshua. They wanted a handout.
Third, “Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours”(17, 18). Look at verses 17 and 18: “You are numerous and very powerful”, Joshua said, “but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have iron chariots and though they are strong, you can drive them out". Joshua did not give in to their political pressure. Joshua now affirmed that they were numerous and very powerful. Joshua urged them to clear the forest hill country as well. He planted a vision to them saying, “Its farthest limits will be yours”.
How could Joshua challenge his people in this way? It was not merely his excellent leadership skills. Joshua believed in God’s command and promises. Of course, the Canaanites had iron chariots and they are strong. Joshua said, “You can drive them out.” Joshua trusted God who promised him to give all the land (Josh 1:4). Joshua accepted God’s command, “Be strong and very courageous”(Josh 1:7-8).
What can we learn from this? On a practical level, it says about how we should live in our times. This story is more than the conversation between the people of Joseph and Joshua. Here God speaks us a lesson. The lesson is this. The life that God blesses involves forest (i.e., opportunities) and iron chariots (i.e., obstacles). Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks received; he who seeks finds and to him who knocks, the door will be opened”(Mt 7:7,8). In answer to our prayers God opens the doors for us. He provides us with opportunities with obstacles but no easy handouts. The opportunities require hard work and dedication in our part. Obstacles demand our faith to confront and overcome.
These days China is growing very fast. Great deal of opportunities! Then obstacles, too! The huge cost of rapid development is increasing pollution of the environment (NT Times August 25, 2007). On the Mountain of Rushmore, I saw the faces of four presidents—George Washington (founder), Thomas Jefferson (expander), Abraham Lincoln (preserver) and Ted Roosevelt (developer). Two weeks ago my family traveled through states of Missouri, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona and California, This vast land is what it is because of the pioneering effort—not as individuals and a nation.
This summer has been eventful for many of us. We have had successful Summer Bible Conference. We have faithfully served 18 young people from Korea for two months. Peter and Joan Park worked very hard to coordinate this. Greg Lewis, Sue Paul, and Nick Muehling dedicated themselves to serve them. Many of leaders hosted them in their homes (Two Lewis families, Muehlings, Pauls, Roths, and Gambers). The results? We sent them back with renewed faith and vision for their own lives. Most of them are now committed to serve the Lord with their lives. They are more serious about living as people of a mission for the Lord.
God expects us here in Toledo UBF to be pioneers: (1) each of us grow up as godly, healthy and influential people; (2) each of us participates in pioneering work for the gospel of Jesus. Jesus himself is the author and pioneer of our faith (Heb 2:10). May God help us live as pioneers for ourselves, for our families, and for our God.
When Joshua urges the people of Joseph to be pioneers for their own growth and expansion, he was in his late 80s. Many of the people of Joseph were certainly aged as well. Yet, the message is the same. Pioneering is not for merely for the young. Pioneering is the fact of life—for both young and old. In 1977 I moved to this country. Many years have passed. Sometimes I wanted an easy life. I was afraid and fearful for the challenges ahead of me. But I had to work hard for myself, for my family and for God’s people I love. This message is particularly meaningful as I look ahead. I cannot merely settle for an easy life. By God’s grace, along with all God’s people who live for his name’s sake, I must be a pioneer for myself, for my family and for the people that God loves to bless.
On a personal level, what is our forest? What are the iron chariots that terrify us? The forest is the opportunities ahead of us. The iron chariots make us afraid and retreat. I do not have to say what opportunities and challenges each of us have ahead of us. A good life that God blesses involves pioneering—hard work and dedication in one hand and good fight against the obstacles in the other hand. This is the reality of life that we must live with. In a larger sense, the forest is the people in this world that should be reached out for the name of our Lord. Iron chariots are the all the obstacles of faith—the power of sin, unbelief, stubborn refusal, and pleasure-seeking life.
Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit., and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”(Mt 28:18-20). The basis of our work in this world is this promise and command. Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. His command deserves obedience of his people. Christian Church throughout the ages obeys Jesus. This is for all Christian people. We do our part in fulfilling this Great Commission.
After this busy summer, rest for a while if you need. Restore your rhythm and balance. Get back to your routines and reclaim your spiritual direction. May God help us to pioneers in believing, living for and preaching the good news to all creation as long as we live. Then, God in his grace removes our doubt and fear. Instead of being constrained and limited, God expands the boundary of our influence. Whatever we think is impossible limit would be overcome. As Joshua said, “Its farthest limits will be yours!”
August 26, 2007. Toledo UBF
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. NIV®;. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
